When seniors face mobility challenges, managing floorspace and creating accessible environments at home become increasingly important for their comfort, safety, and independence. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of managing floorspace at home, as well as strategies for accomplishing this.
The Benefits of Managing Floorspace and Creating Accessible Environments
1. Increased Mobility
Managing floorspace ensures that furniture is arranged in a way that allows seniors to move more freely and safely in their homes. Having open pathways and more accessible furniture makes it easier for seniors to navigate their homes without the risk of falls or other accidents.
2. Improved Safety
Creating accessible environments at home helps reduce the risk of injury or accident due to falls. Installing features, changing furniture layouts, and replacing hard floors with those that can cushion falls make it easier for seniors to navigate home spaces. This also reduces the likelihood of them tripping and falling.
3. Increased Comfort
Creating an accessible environment can also provide increased comfort for seniors. By making sure that furniture and fixtures in the home are easy to access, seniors can move around more freely, which can help reduce fatigue and stress.
Strategies for Managing Floorspace
1. Rearrange Furniture
The first step in managing floorspace is to move furniture to create wider and more open pathways. This includes moving tables, chairs, couches, and other furniture to make it easier for seniors to get around.
2. Utilize Vertical Space
Make use of vertical space to free up floor space. This involves using shelves, cabinets, and other storage pieces to maximize the available space. By doing this, seniors can keep items off the floor and make more room for pathways around the home. Just be sure cabinets and bookcases are securely fastened to walls, and that seniors don't have to reach beyond what's safe to access items.
3. Create Clear Pathways
Pathways should be wide enough for seniors to move easily, including allowing enough room for wheelchairs and walkers. They should also be well-lit and free of clutter or objects that could create a hazard.
Strategies for Creating Accessible Environments
One of the best ways to create an accessible environment is to install features that make it easier for seniors to move around. This includes features like:
- Shallow stairs or ramps
- Stairlifts
- Handholds
- Bright lighting that doesn't cast confusing shadows
- Lighting at floor level
- Electrical outlets at higher spots on walls
- Lever-style door handles
- Landline house phones in varying areas of the home
- Roll-in showers
- Shower chairs
- Bedroom furniture with mobility features
- Easy-to-operate thermostats
- Lower workspaces in kitchens and craft rooms
These features can make it much easier for seniors to move around the home and make their living environment more comfortable. And the safer they are at home, the longer they can maintain their independence.
We're Home Safety Pros
At Senior Helpers Whittier-Downey, we understand the importance of ensuring that seniors can live safe, independent lives in their homes in Whittier, Downey, Pico Rivera, and Bell Gardens. If you or a loved one need in-home assistance, or you'd just like some tips on creating accessible environments at home, contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.